Northwestern State to host six, visit two FBS foes in 2013

Natchitoches, LA (Sports Network) - Northwestern State University announced
Tuesday a 2013 football schedule which features six home contests and two FBS
road tilts.

The Demons from the Southland Conference will play a 12-game schedule for the
first time since 2008 and renew a series with intra-state rival Southern
University from the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The matchup with Southern highlights the schedule because the contest has
drawn some of the best crowds in Turpin Stadium history, including a record of
17,528 in 2000.

"There are many positives about this 2013 schedule, most notably renewing the
in-state rivalry with Southern University," NSU director of athletics Greg
Burke said. "Much appreciation is expressed to Demon football All-American and
current Southern athletic director William Broussard for helping facilitate
this two-year contract."

NSU opens the season with a non-conference game at Missouri State on Aug. 29
before hosting Southern the following weekend on Sept. 7. The team then hits
the road for back-to-back contests versus FBS members Cincinnati and Alabama-
Birmingham on Sept. 14 and 21, respectively.

Northwestern State plays host to Division II Langston on Sept. 28 before the
team's bye week. The Demons begin Southland Conference play at Nicholls State
(Oct. 12) and return home on Oct. 19 for Homecoming and the "Battle for Chief
Caddo" versus Southeastern Louisiana.

The schedule strengthens after Homecoming, with two conference road games at
Sam Houston State (Oct. 26) and McNeese State (Nov. 16), and three more home
contests versus Central Arkansas (Nov. 2), Lamar (Nov. 9) and Stephen F.
Austin (Nov. 23).

Northwestern State is without a head coach after Bradley Dale Peveto was let
go following a four-year run. Burke expects to name a new head coach soon.